London Social Hiking

🎃 Haunted Avebury: Halloween Hike to Britain’s Largest Stone Circle

Sat, Oct 31 · 7:45 AM GMT

Novotel London West, London, GB

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Explore Britain’s most stunning trails in a small group of up to 15, travelling together by private minibus to beautiful, remote locations not easily reached by public transport.

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help answer your questions.

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Travel back in time 6,000 years and get into the Halloween spirit on one of the UK’s spookiest walks! 🎃👻🍁 This weekend we’re off to the Avebury UNESCO World Heritage Site – one of the greatest surviving concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in Western Europe. Fittingly, it’s also one of the most haunted places in the country: with 390 recorded paranormal sightings, it ranks among the top 10.

Avebury is listed together with Stonehenge as a single UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it offers a much more intimate experience – you can see the stones up close and actually touch them, and it’s completely free! The Avebury stone circle is also older and far, far larger than Stonehenge.

📸 Avebury featured in one of the first episodes of The Most Haunted – check it out:
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2blg31

This trip is suitable for BEGINNERS – a great way to experience hiking before joining our more challenging hikes! 🤩

HIKE HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the world-famous Avebury stone circle – the world’s largest known stone ring and (fun fact!) the only stone ring in the world with a pub inside it! Built around 2,600 BC, the circle measures 330 metres across and is 16 times larger than Stonehenge.
• Walk along the West Kennet Avenue – a ceremonial avenue of standing stones, now about 800 metres long, that once connected the Avebury stone circle to the Sanctuary.
• See Silbury Hill – the largest man-made prehistoric mound in Europe, built around 2,400 BC. It stands around 37 metres high, with a flat top about 30 metres across and a base about 500 metres around.
• Discover West Kennet Long Barrow – built around 3,650 BC, it’s one of the largest and most impressive Neolithic chambered tombs in Britain.
• Hike along the Ridgeway National Trail, often described as Britain’s oldest road, used by travellers, armies and herdsmen for nearly 5,000 years.
• Enjoy fantastic panoramic views from the high ground of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
• Warm up after the hike with a pint at the Red Lion pub – one of the most haunted pubs in Britain, said to be home to at least four ghosts! 🍺

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 10 miles (16km).
Ascent: 160m.
Difficulty: Easy.

ITINERARY

07:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
08:00 Sharp departure
10:00-16:00 Hike from Barbury Castle Iron Age hill fort to Avebury stone circle
16:00-16:45 Drinks and refreshments inside Avebury stone circle at the Red Lion pub (one of the most haunted pubs in Britain!)
16:45 Departure
19:00 London, Hammersmith

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

FOOD

We'll stop for a snack lunch halfway through the hike. Please bring a packed lunch with you.

SAFETY

This hike is led by an experienced, Outdoor First Aid qualified hike leader.

BOOKING

To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£7 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Avebury). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours.

Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited
Sort Code: 20-17-20
Account Number: 63116514

We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the attendees list of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue.

THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• Professional event organisation
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)
• Food

HOW TO CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.

Your guide will be Anna (07596844467, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Packed lunch
• Water (min 1L)
• Walking poles (optional)
• Gaiters (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 700 events on Meetup and received an incredible number of positive reviews from our community. We’re proud to have achieved an average event rating of 4.8 out of 5. Please keep sharing your feedback – it helps us continue to improve and make every trip even better!

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

This is where we share pictures from our events. Feel free to use for inspiration on where to go next!

Facebook group link and Instagram

REFUND POLICY

You can check our refund policy here.

🐚 (Beginners) Hiking the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sun, Nov 1 · 7:45 AM GMT

Novotel London West, London, GB

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Explore Britain’s most stunning trails in a small group of up to 15, travelling together by private minibus to beautiful, remote locations not easily reached by public transport.

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help answer your questions.

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Join us for a very special trip to Dorset to discover one of the world's most breathtaking coastlines – the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site! Stretching 95 miles between Old Harry Rocks and Orcombe Point, the Jurassic Coast – England’s first Natural UNESCO World Heritage Site – is the most geologically diverse coastline in the world. The exposed cliff sections allow us to look back across 185 million years; dinosaur remains have been found here, and it’s a fossil-hunter’s paradise.

On this magnificent coastal hike, we’ll visit the iconic limestone arch of Durdle Door and the famous scallop-shaped Lulworth Cove, with its white pebble beach and crystal-clear waters. Along the way, we’ll pass many lovely bays and beaches and enjoy excellent views of the Isle of Portland, which hosted the sailing events of the 2012 Olympics. Most of the route follows the clifftop trail, with stunning panoramic views of sweeping bays, folded cliffs and the sea. There will be a few steep ascents and descents, but your efforts will be well rewarded by the jaw-dropping beauty all around you!

We have kept the distance shorter (5 miles / 8 kilometres) to have the difficulty of this trail on the Easy/Moderate border. We'll walk at a slower pace and take many breaks on the uphill sections, as needed. This trip is therefore suitable for all reasonably fit BEGINNERS – a great way to experience hiking before joining our more difficult hikes! 🤩

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 5 miles (8km).
Ascent: 350m.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

ITINERARY

07:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
08:00 Sharp departure
11:15-14:30 Hike along the Jurassic Coast from Ringstead Bay to Lulworth Cove, past Durdle Door, the chalk headland of Bat’s Head and Man O’War Beach
14:30-15:30 Free time to explore and rest in Lulworth village, with drinks and refreshments
15:30-16:00 Short walks to Stair Hole (a small cove with extravagantly folded strata) and the Lulworth Cove viewpoint
16:15 Departure
19:00 London, Hammersmith

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

SAFETY

This hike is led by an experienced, Outdoor First Aid qualified hike leader.

BOOKING

To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£7 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Jurassic). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours.

Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited
Sort Code: 20-17-20
Account Number: 63116514

We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the attendees list of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue.

THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• Professional event organisation
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)
• Food

HOW TO CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.

Your guide will be Anna (07596844467, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Sunscreen (if sunny)
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Water (min 1L)
• Packed lunch
• Walking poles (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 700 events on Meetup and received an incredible number of positive reviews from our community. We’re proud to have achieved an average event rating of 4.8 out of 5. Please keep sharing your feedback – it helps us continue to improve and make every trip even better!

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

This is where we share pictures from our events. Feel free to use for inspiration on where to go next!

Facebook group link and Instagram

REFUND POLICY

You can check our refund policy here.

🏡 Hiking the Venice of the Cotswolds

Sat, Nov 7 · 7:45 AM GMT

Novotel London West, London, GB

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Explore Britain’s most stunning trails in a small group of up to 15, travelling together by private minibus to beautiful, remote locations not easily reached by public transport.

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help answer your questions.

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Come and join us for a truly magical hike to the Cotswolds to explore some of the most beautiful villages in Britain!

Think honey-coloured cottages, cosy pubs, tiny tearooms and narrow streets. The unspoilt market towns and villages of the Cotswolds have a quintessential English charm found nowhere else in the world. It really is a unique experience!

On this hike, we'll pass through many picturesque Cotswold villages and towns, such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower Slaughter, Upper Slaughter and Naunton. Our route will take us through some of the Cotswolds’ best scenery along rolling hills (the “wolds”), woodlands and dramatic escarpments with stunning panoramic views. The whole walk is within the protected Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the largest of the 38 AONBs in England and Wales.

This hike is featured in the 100 Outstanding British Walks collection, come and discover why!

HIKE HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the popular village of Bourton-on-the-Water, often described as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” due to its six elegant bridges that span the River Windrush, which runs through the centre of the village.
• Discover the picture-postcard village of Lower Slaughter. This quaint village sits beside the sleepy River Eye and is known for its attractive limestone cottages in the traditional Cotswold style.
• Pass the outstandingly beautiful Naunton village with its medieval church. This unspoilt village remains relatively untouched by tourism.
• Hike through lovely woodland landscapes and enjoy expansive views across the rolling countryside and the sheltered valleys of the rivers Eye and Windrush.

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 10 miles (16km).
Ascent: 240m.
Difficulty: Moderate.

ITINERARY

07:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
08:00 Sharp departure
10:00-16:00 The Venice of the Cotswolds circuit walk
16:00-17:00 Picnic lunch/dinner at Bourton-on-the-Water
17:00 Departure
19:30 London, Hammersmith

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

SAFETY

This hike is led by an experienced, Outdoor First Aid qualified hike leader.

BOOKING

To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£7 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Cotswolds). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours.

Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited
Sort Code: 20-17-20
Account Number: 63116514

We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the attendees list of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue.

THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Lowland Leader
• Professional event organisation
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)
• Food

HOW TO CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.

Your guide will be Lily (07450435289, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Sunscreen (if sunny)
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Packed lunch
• Water (min 1L)
• Walking poles (optional)
• Gaiters (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 700 events on Meetup and received an incredible number of positive reviews from our community. We’re proud to have achieved an average event rating of 4.8 out of 5. Please keep sharing your feedback – it helps us continue to improve and make every trip even better!

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

This is where we share pictures from our events. Feel free to use for inspiration on where to go next!

Facebook group link and Instagram

REFUND POLICY

You can check our refund policy here.

⛵ Hiking the Isle of Portland & Sunset by the Sea

Sun, Nov 8 · 7:45 AM GMT

Novotel London West, London, GB

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Explore Britain’s most stunning trails in a small group of up to 15, travelling together by private minibus to beautiful, remote locations not easily reached by public transport.

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help answer your questions.

#################

Come and join London Social Hiking to discover the Isle of Portland, the southernmost point of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site and the venue for sailing events during the 2012 Olympics!

The Isle of Portland is 6 kilometres long by 3 kilometres wide and is connected to the mainland by the breath-taking sweep of the shingle ridge of Chesil Beach. On this walk, we'll explore dramatic, rugged limestone cliffs and hidden coves, and enjoy stunning coastal views and landscapes shaped by centuries of military activity, farming, fishing and quarrying. Did you know that the world-famous Portland stone has been quarried here since Roman times, and many famous buildings – including St Paul's Cathedral, the British Museum, Tower Bridge and the United Nations headquarters in New York – were built using it?

The hike will finish at the fishing village of Chiswell, where we'll enjoy well-deserved drinks and refreshments next to Chesil Beach – one of the best sunset locations in Dorset. Don’t miss this unique opportunity – it’s the only time of year we can experience the sunset on this route! 🌅

HIKE HIGHLIGHTS

• Breath-taking clifftop views along Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon
• Small secluded beach at Church Ope Cove
• Pulpit Rock and Portland Bill Lighthouse
• Dramatic views to the cliffs of Purbeck and Portland Harbour
• The “Spirit of Portland” sculpture which depicts a fisherman and a quarryman to represent the two main industries of the Isle
• Tout Quarry Sculpture Park – a former quarry that is now home to over 60 sculptures, carved from Portland stone
• The Olympic Rings sculpture, created to celebrate the 2012 Olympics, in which Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy hosted the sailing events

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 9 miles (15km).
Ascent: 290m.
Difficulty: Easy.

ITINERARY

07:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
08:00 Sharp departure
11:30-16:45 Isle of Portland circuit walk
16:45-17:15 Drinks and refreshments by the sea
17:15 Departure
20:00 London, Hammersmith

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

BOOKING

To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£7 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Portland). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours.

Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited
Sort Code: 20-17-20
Account Number: 63116514

We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the attendees list of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue.

THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• Professional event organisation
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)

HOW TO CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.

Your guide will be Anna (07596844467, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Sunscreen (if sunny)
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Packed lunch
• Water (min 1L)
• Walking poles (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 700 events on Meetup and received an incredible number of positive reviews from our community. We’re proud to have achieved an average event rating of 4.8 out of 5. Please keep sharing your feedback – it helps us continue to improve and make every trip even better!

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

This is where we share pictures from our events. Feel free to use for inspiration on where to go next!

Facebook group link and Instagram

REFUND POLICY

You can check our refund policy here.